The popular Habana “Beach” Party is also back after becoming a regular fixture on the Mackay region’s Australia Day calendar in recent years.

The Sladie’s Australia Day at the Beach is the latest in a list of events the Slade Point Neighbourhood Watch Community Group has staged. Others have ranged from a Musical Moonlight Soiree to a Uke & Drums By the Beach event.

The success of the events and the experience gained could lead to a “whale festival” being organised in the future.

“We’d like that to be an annual event and something quite spectacular,’’ Mr Laval said.

“That event would celebrate whale watching season and would also bring awareness and education about conservation and the environment.”